STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Human Services Advocate

Recruitment #181018-1419SH-001

Introduction

The Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, Whiting Forensic Hospital is currently accepting applications for a Human Services Advocate. POSITION # 119448.  This is a full-time, forty (40) hour per week position, 8:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M,, Monday thru Friday. 

The incumbent will provide outreach services to engage patients in advocacy activities through informing them of their rights, as mandated by hospital, state and federal regulations. Serves as liaison to integrate advocacy services; attends DMHAS Advocacy meetings; designs and implements educational events for staff as identified through contacts with patients; develops advocacy training programs for patients; conducts workshops regarding a wide-range of issues (self-assertiveness, medication use, rights and responsibilities, self-control, self-esteem) resulting in empowered patients; refers patients to Protection and Advocacy organizations and coordinates services.  This position reports directly to the Manager of Advocacy.      

Please ensure that your application is complete as you will be unable to make revisions once your submit your application into the JobAps system.  Please include a resume in the 'Resume Tab' of your application. Applicants invited to interview will be requested to supply the following: Copy of a valid Driver's License, and for State Employees, a copy of their last 2 Performance Evaluations or for non-state employee applicants, two (2) Letters of Recommendation.

Questions regarding this Position should be directed to Joann K. Castaldo at (860) 262-7121 or Joann.Castaldo@ct.gov.

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In the Bureau of Rehabilitative Services, Departments of Mental Health and Addiction Services, Developmental Services, Office of Protection and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities, and Office of the Child Advocate, this class is accountable for independently performing a full range of tasks in providing advocacy services to ensure the preservation of client rights.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Assists in administration of a client rights program with respect to civil, legal and human rights, right to treatment, confidentiality, and other unique rights as specified by state and federal legislation; provides advocacy services, determines available courses of action, and develops advocacy strategies with individuals, families and/or groups; investigates and evaluates complaints and allegations of abuse and/or misrepresentation of authorized client services; implements advocacy strategies through informal and/or formal actions such as meeting with legal and/or agency representatives to ensure provision of proper services; consults with professionals of various disciplines such as attorneys, physicians, educators, and others to identify options and barriers to client rights; develops and interprets policies regarding client rights; assists in researching and interpreting laws pertaining to client rights; maintains confidential client files documenting advocacy services provided and prepares reports summarizing case activities; prepares correspondence and reports; assists in orientation of new employees with regard to agency client rights program; may investigate accident and injury reports to determine cause; may conduct studies to assess quality of care; may conduct inservice training sessions on client rights; may provide technical assistance and training to field staff; may participate on task forces and coalitions formed to effect system changes; may meet with legislators, agency officials, and members of various interest groups on client rights; may participate in agency task groups to develop policies, positions and reports; may make public presentations; performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

Knowledge of problems and needs of individuals in one of the following areas: blindness or visual impairments; children; disabilities; mental retardation; psychiatric disabilities; knowledge of advocacy process; knowledge of relevant state and federal laws, statutes, and regulations; knowledge of relevant agency policies and procedures; knowledge of community resources and service delivery systems; interpersonal skills; oral and written communication skills; interviewing skills; negotiating skills; ability to identify, investigate, and analyze problems and recommend effective solutions; ability to research and organize information; ability to understand and explain complex written materials.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Six (6) years of professional experience in a public or private agency or organization providing services to persons with disabilities or to children.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SPECIAL EXPERIENCE

One (1) year of the General Experience must have been in the provision of advocacy or direct services to persons with disabilities or to children.

NOTE: Advocacy services are defined as speaking and working on behalf of a position, cause, or individual to further interests and ensure the preservation of rights.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

College training may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.

Conclusion

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.